Bella Colombia and Coen a winning team Bella Colombia got first run on Darkdeserthighway to claim the Renault Ireland Handicap over nine furlongs in Leopardstown. A massive full field of 22 runners went to post for this 0-70 grade and Bella Colombia was never far from the pace in stall three. Eyes were drawn to her and Darkdeserthighway, travelling well, just behind the leaders on the approach to the final furlong. Bella Colombia (6/1) got the split entering the final furlong and charged through to lead with 200 yards to travel. Darkdeserthighway charged into the clear in the closing stages and fairly rattled home, but the 9/2 favourite was a head in arrears at the line. Each-way punters drew dividends from Tachos (11/2) and Comfort Line (25/1) in third and fourth respectively. Willie McCreery said: "That was good. Sam (Coen) gave her a lovely ride, something similar to what he did in Killarney. "The lads bred her, so I'm delighted for them. "She's going up through the grades." Bella Colombia and Coen followed up on a victory at Killarney last month. Additional reporting by John O'Riordan
